How to Build a Picket Fence: 7 Easy Steps

Nothing says home quite as much a white picket fence. And they are not as hard to build as you may think. In this article I will detail 7 steps to building a simple picket fence. As with all fencing there are few basic steps you should complete before beginning to build your picket fence.These are as follows.

1. Have a survey done of your property and make sure you know where your correct boundary lines are. Check your local council for regulations pertaining to building a fence to make sure it is within code. Locate the water, gas, electric and phone lines. If you do not know where they are call the corresponding company and have them come out and mark them.

2. Make a detailed plan of the picket fence you wish to build. Usually I will then proceed to measure for post spacing so that I know how many posts I will use. Spacing between posts should be around 2 meters. Measure the total distance between your two end points. Divide this figure by 2. Round the figure you find down. Then re divide the total length by this figure. This is the spacing between posts. On your plan draw how many posts you will need (don't forget the end posts). Fence rails usually coming in about 4.8 meter lengths so for each fence bay (the space between two posts) you will need one rail. For the number of fence pickets divide total length by the width of the fence picket + your desired spacing. You should now be able to order your timer.

3. Place Stakes at corner each of the boundary line. Tie a masons line to each stake so that you have a straight outline of the fence.

4. Use marking paint to mark out the location of each fence hole, using the spacing you calculated above. Proceed to dig the holes at 600mm deep for each.

5. Place your post in the centre of each hole. Use a level to make sure the posts are plumb and then pour concrete around the post. Allow 2 days for the post to set.

6. Fence rails can be attached between the posts or in front of them. Generally in front is easier, so that is what I will deal with here. Mark out the location of your top and bottom rail on each post. Run a string line between these two posts. Mark off each post the location of the rail. Mark 100mm up from the top of the top rail this gives you the top of the post. Cut off the top so all posts are the same height.

7. Nail the rails to the front of the post. With this simpler design, one rail will cover two posts. Next nail a picket to each end of the fence line. Put a masons line at the top of each picket. This will give you a top straight line for your pickets. Nail the pickets to the rails using a picket as a spacer.

And that is how you build a simple picket fence. Of course more complicated variations on the picket fence can be used. And post caps added. But this picket fence will be a lovely addition to any property.


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